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THE LOWDOWN: Is Everton’s Idrissa Gueye What Man United Need?

After a disappointing end to the 2018/19 campaign, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has made it clear that some of his players are not part of his plans for next season.

With the recent departure of Ander Herrera, who was considered a fan favourite, a replacement in the middle of the park is a must for Ole’s team. Seemingly now a club in crisis, Man United will need a ruthless centre defensive midfielder amongst other positions to strengthen the team.

The Senegalese international and Everton standout Idrissa Gueye has been linked in a summer move with both United and Paris St Germain. The energetic 29-year-old is an aggressive tackler who has the ability to break up the player around him, almost Kante-Esq. The Everton player’s player of the year who is popular with fans of the Toffees has been reportedly priced at less than £40 million. A bargain in today’s market.

With most of United’s foreign signings flopping in recent years, perhaps it would be wise for Solskjaer to look within English football for talent to bolster his team. Rather than flunking another £50 – £80 million on another Fred, Sanchez or Angel Di Maria.

The list is endless and big-name marquee signings that fail is now becoming synonymous with the club. With many teams finding success in recent years through looking within the English football league’s for talent, (even Man City have recruited from other English teams, such as Raheem Sterling and Kyle Walker) this could be the way forward for United.

Recruiting proven players who have experience of playing and succeeding in the intense environment of the Premier League, who know exactly what level they need to be on at a club like Manchester United. With inconsistent performances and becoming ever more injury prone, Nemanja Matic looks like he is moving to the tail end of his career, indicating he is not the player to take United forward.

Furthermore, ongoing rumours concerning Paul Pogba’s future, United’s midfield is starting to look bare. What United need is a spine to the team, (something they haven’t had since Ferguson retired). Perhaps Gueye could be the man who forms the midfield element of this spine. A partnership of Gueye and Scott McTominay could be exactly what Ole needs to replace Ander Herrera. Presenting a cheap option, this really could be a bargain for the club.